What is the difference? It can be confusing since we often hear the terms used interchangeably.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
Mindfulness is simply to be fully aware of, and to accept the present moment as it is. We do this by paying attention to, or being mindful of, whatever is going on right now at this moment either within us or around us.
When Mindful we avoid reacting negatively or positively to whatever the present moment is bringing us without getting attached to it and without experiencing aversion towards it. We simply welcome it. We accept the present moment as it is.
Mindfulness has tools to manage our emotional reactions.
Definitions of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we are doing at the moment, free from distraction or judgement and aware of our Thoughts, Feelings, without getting caught up in them.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness is the energy that helps us recognize the conditions of Happiness that are already present in our lives. You don’t have to wait 10 years to experience this happiness. It is present in every moment of your daily life.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
Decreased Stress, Worry, depression. A decrease in rumination, Increased satisfaction in relationships, better focus and increased memory etc etc
True happiness is experienced only in the present moment, not in the past or future. In judging and resisting our experience we are trying to escape the present
When present we STOP our constant chatter, negative thoughts and mental stories. When present we are in flow with the moment
When caught in Autopilot, Monkey Mind and scattered thoughts we miss precious moments of life.
With a calm present mind we become aware of things we normally wouldn’t become aware of.
Eg; more aware with ourselves and those around us
Eg; Increased Inner Joy and Contentment
Eg; mental clarity with increased creativity
Eg; We focus on what matters in the here and now.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS MEDITATION?
We can be mindful of any internal/external experience during our day. Eg cooking, laundry. We pay attention to what we are doing.
If our practice is reduced during the day we can do Mindfulness meditation which can be the easiest way to learn mindfulness when we specifically practice mindfulness.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION
In Mindfulness we can apply it to every moment of our daily lives. In Meditation it is that specific moment when we sit down to practice Meditation.
Not all forms of Meditation are Mindfulness based Meditation.
Eg; Loving Kindness meditation, Vedantic meditation, Mantra meditation, Visualisation meditation.
In Meditation there is usually a narrow focus of awareness, whereas in Mindful Mediation the awareness is broad.
All forms of Mindful meditation are meditation
Not all forms of Meditation are Mindful.
The information in this document is from Dr Peter Freeman-Davies.
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or nurses@bloomhill.com.au if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is often based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
